2024: Year In Review

In 2024, Mural Arts Philadelphia celebrated its 40th anniversary, reflecting on its origins and envisioning the future of public art and civic engagement in the city.

Founded in January 1984 as the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network, Mural Arts has transformed Philadelphia into “the world’s largest outdoor art gallery.” This year, we honored stories of education, justice, and community through murals like Ben Fletcher by artist Jonathan Pinkett and The Mother Mural by artist Walé Oyejide celebrating the city’s rich history and diverse narratives.

Our commitment to innovation led to the creation of dozens of new murals, such as Brotherly Love by artist King Saladeen and Metamorphosis by artist Paige Smith, connecting generations and cultures across Philadelphia. A mural titled Luminaries by artist Patrick Dougher was unveiled at the Philadelphia High School for Girls, honoring Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter alumna Jill Scott and symbolizing the empowerment of students.

Our project We Here in Kensington, led by artist Roberto Lugo and a Community Advisory Council, focused on youth, creativity, and pottery.

In an historic election year, we encouraged civic participation with initiatives like To the Polls in LOVE Park and unveiled Philadelphia’s first permanent voting-themed mural, Philly Votes: Legacy In Bloom, by artist Tai Corrienté Baucom.

We also celebrated community, boosted the creative economy, and led critical conversations on making the world a better place.

Watch our 2024 Year-in-Review video below—a celebration of 40 years of impact and a showcase of this year’s many accomplishments. More than just a reflection, this video is an invitation to make a difference. Join our end-of-year giving campaign and help advance our mission of using art as a catalyst for meaningful social change. Your support is vital to our efforts to Beautify, Inspire, and Empower communities. Together, we can create a lasting impact where art transcends walls, resonates deeply, and becomes a shared part of our collective experience.